Washington, D.C. (February 23, 2024): As Russia tightens its grip on eastern Ukraine and anxieties mount, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are scrambling to secure vital aid for the beleaguered nation. However, with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) seemingly stalling a vote on the Senate's $95 billion bill, frustration is brewing, leading Democrats and some Republicans to explore fallback plans.
Democrats Wield Procedural Maneuvers: House Democrats, led by the top-ranking member of the Rules Committee, Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), have filed a resolution paving the way for a potentially game-changing discharge petition. This rarely used power play could bypass Speaker Johnson and force a vote on the Senate bill if 218 lawmakers, including at least four Republicans, sign on.
Republicans Craft Counterproposals: Facing mounting pressure from pro-Ukraine constituents and allies, some Republicans are proposing alternative aid packages. Rep. Carlos Giménez (R-Fla.) advocates splitting the Senate bill into individual country packages for expedited approval, while a bipartisan group led by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) has unveiled a "skinny" version focusing solely on military assistance.
Time is of the Essence: With Russia's recent capture of Avdiivka and Ukraine on the cusp of a potential counteroffensive, lawmakers warn that delay could have dire consequences. "This happened because Ukraine is running out of weapons," national security advisor Jake Sullivan starkly warned, highlighting the urgency of decisive action.
Speaker's Stance Holds Sway: While Johnson hasn't offered a concrete plan, he insists the House won't be "pressured" into accepting the Senate bill verbatim. Some speculate he's playing hardball to extract concessions, while others fear his delay stems from internal GOP opposition to robust Ukraine aid.
Looming Deadlines Add Pressure: With government shutdown deadlines looming in March, the urgency to resolve the impasse intensifies. Rep. Mike McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, outlines a timeframe for action in March, emphasizing the need to act before Ukraine's potential counteroffensive in April.
Discharge Petition: A Nuclear Option: Republicans like McCaul dub the potential discharge petition a "nuclear option," highlighting its unprecedented nature and potential to undermine the speaker's authority. However, with hawkish Republicans privately acknowledging its necessity, its use remains a possibility.
Uncertain Prospects: While Democrats remain hopeful for a vote on the Senate bill, the success of their fallback plans hinges on garnering Republican support. With a razor-thin majority, even a single GOP defection could scuttle their efforts.
Beyond procedural battles, the situation underscores the critical need for bipartisan cooperation on foreign policy matters. As the war in Ukraine rages on, finding common ground and swift action remain paramount in supporting a vital ally and safeguarding global security.
